Injured in a pedestrian accident? It is a common thing

In many places in New York, residents and visitors to the state walk to get to where they want to go. It is economical and, quite frankly, sometimes faster than waiting in traffic. Unfortunately, numerous individuals are injured every year being hit by cars, and some even lose their lives. How likely is a pedestrian accident to happen really?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2015, about 129,000 people across the country were injured in auto-pedestrian accidents. On top of that, another 5,376 were killed. It may not seem like a lot when spread out state-to-state, but really any auto-pedestrian-related accident is one too many.

Those most at risk for auto-pedestrian accidents are those 65 years of age or older, or 15 years of age or younger. Older adults were involved in 13 percent of all pedestrian accidents resulting in injuries in 2015. When it comes to children, in that same year, one in five children ages 15 or younger were killed in auto-pedestrian collisions.

Impairment contributes to roughly 48 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents. Other contributing factors to such incidents — whether outcome are fatal or nonfatal — include speed, time of day and location. In other words, drivers need to slow down and pay attention.

It is hard to go a week without hearing of a pedestrian accident in the great state of New York. They happen all too often. Those who have suffered injuries or lost loved ones in auto-pedestrian accidents may have legal recourse. Compensation for damages sustained can be sought by filing civil claims against the responsible parties in civil court.

Source: cdc.gov, “Pedestrian Safety“, Accessed on Jan. 10, 2018